Black bear cub found in tree after 69-year-old woman attacked, WI officials say

A 69-year-old woman was left seriously injured after she was attacked by a black bear, Wisconsin officials say.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said the woman called 911 around 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, to report the black bear attack near Comstock.

The woman was located and taken to a hospital, where her condition was unknown as of July 13, officials said.

Officers and wildlife officials discovered a black bear cub in a tree, indicating the attack likely involved the cub and its mom, according to a news release.

A report published in 2019 by University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point found just over half of black bear attacks were “defensive,” with 85% of the bears involved being female. Of those females, 91% had a cub.

A search was unsuccessful for the female bear, according to officials, who said traps have been set. If the bear is captured, it will be euthanized.

Officials said the reason for the attack is unclear.

Comstock is in western Wisconsin, about an 85-mile drive northeast from Minneapolis.

What to do if you see a bear

Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.

There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.

• Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.

• Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.

• Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.

• Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.

• Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.

• Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.

• Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.

• Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.

• Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.

• Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 8:39 AM with the headline "Black bear cub found in tree after 69-year-old woman attacked, WI officials say."